As we approach the trade deadline, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are hanging around the lower echelon of the Western Conference playoff picture. In an effort to provide more shooting and size, they have already pushed for a deal to acquire a valued young talent from the Washington Wizards.
On Monday, Shams Charania of the Athletic reported Los Angeles is sending guard Kendrick Nunn to Washington for forward Rui Hachimura. The deal will include the 2023 Chicago second-round pick with Los Angeles’ 2029 second-rounder and the Wizards/Lakers’ less favorable second-rounder in 2028.
Hachimura was seeking a long-term extension with the Wizards, but contract negotiations didn’t materialize.
Sources: Lakers are sending the 2023 Chicago second-rounder, their own 2029 second-rounder and the Wizards/Lakers less favorable second-rounder in 2028 in the Kendrick Nunn-for-Rui Hachimura trade.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2023
In his fourth season, Hachimura is averaging 13 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and will be needed depth in the frontcourt. The Lakers part ways with Nunn in the deal, who missed all last season due to injury and is averaging 6.7 points in 39 appearances this season.
